By Azaglo Michael
In a collective effort to strengthen public health through immunization, the Concern Health Education Project, in collaboration with the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health and with financial support from Gavi, has intensified its campaign to combat vaccine misinformation and expand access to vaccines in local communities.
On Wednesday, May 28, at the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA), ten community volunteers were officially trained as part of an expanded outreach initiative. The training is aimed at boosting public education, dispelling myths surrounding vaccines, and supporting child welfare and nutrition-focused health interventions.
Speaking to the media at the event, Mr Isaac Ampomah, a seasoned public health advocate and CEO of the Concern Health Education Project, expressed appreciation for Gavi’s financial support, which he said has significantly enhanced their ability to conduct effective community-level immunization outreach.
“With over 15 years of experience in community engagement, we see this partnership as a crucial step in identifying children who have missed scheduled vaccinations. These trained volunteers will work closely with community information centres and the LaDMA Health Directorate to ensure no child is left behind,” Mr Ampomah said.
He further emphasised the importance of equipping mothers and caregivers with accurate information to help protect their children through timely immunisations. Mr Ampomah also called on like-minded civil society organisations, both local and international, to continue supporting Ghana’s health system in its mission to save lives through vaccination.
Dr Karen Agyemang Prempeh, Acting Municipal Director of Health at LaDMA, noted during a media interaction that the ongoing construction of the new La General Hospital will eventually provide improved infrastructure to support expanded immunisation services. However, she acknowledged that in the meantime, the community continues to rely heavily on the La Polyclinic to meet its healthcare needs.
Dr Prempeh affirmed LaDMA’s commitment to health promotion and encouraged the Concern Health Education Project and its coalition partners to remain aligned with the principles of the Ghana Health Service, particularly in prioritising disease control and expanding immunisation coverage.
Adding to the conversation, Ms Priscilla Chuwajumese, Lead for Disease Control at the LaDMA Health Directorate, expressed concern about the challenges posed by the demolition of the former La General Hospital. She noted that the lack of adequate facilities has hindered efforts to reach more children in need of vaccination.
Ms Chuwajumese called on the government to expedite the reconstruction of the hospital, stressing that a fully operational facility is essential for improving vaccine coverage and addressing critical health needs across the municipality.
This community-centred initiative reflects growing momentum in strengthening immunisation efforts in Ghana and underscores the vital role of collaboration between local authorities, NGOs, and international partners in safeguarding public health.
